A Rift in the Fabric of Time

Chapter 9: Music Box

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. . . . .

Jamie stood beside me, as I gave instructions. Starting out, I showed him the basic box step. After that, I extended my hand for him to take and said, "Now your other hand goes around my waist."

I finished by placing my other hand at his shoulder. We began dancing, and I was surprised at how quickly he caught on. The next song followed, Moonlight Serenade. Glenn Miller was a favorite of mine, and this song in particular was dear to my heart. It was the epitome of my era. I pressed my cheek to his chest, lost in the moment.

"Sassenach," he announced, "I think I like this modern dancin'. It's like fencin', only wi' out the swords."

I laughed, and so did Hannah.

"Did I say somethin' funny?"

We both nodded.

"I meant, ye ken ... the way ye move yer feet sideways, and such."

"For a big Scotsman, ye're so cute! And ye learned the steps quick as ye please. They'll be callin' ye Twinkle Toes before ye know it," Hannah exclaimed.

Jamie blushed scarlet, and I smiled at his sudden shyness.

The tune ended, and I must've pouted, because Hannah declared, "I have that record upstairs. D'ye want me to bring it down? It's no trouble. The gramophone's over on the console."

Clapping my hands, I replied, "Oh, Hannah. That would be lovely."

. . . . .

We danced to Glenn Miller again; Hannah replaying it several times for us. Then Jamie offered his hands to our friend, and it was so sweet watching the two of them sway to the music.

She plopped back down onto the settee afterwards. "Thank ye, Jamie. Gracious, I havena danced like that in years."

"I hope we're not being a nuisance," I said, grimacing.

"Oh, pshaw. It was a favorable wind that blew ye my way. It's lonesome here what wi' my daughter at her own flat and all. So, I am enjoyin' your company. I better be off to bed now, though. I havta be at Reverend Wakefield's to serve him breakfast in the mornin'. Heaven forbid as his food should be late."

Hannah walked part way up the stairs and waved. Jamie waved back, "G'night, Hannah! And sweet dreams to ye."

# # # # #

I thought as the radio was a verra astonishin' thin', but it couldna compare with the music box. Hannah put a flat, black disc on the wee spindle, and it spun round and round, an arm wi' a needle attached ridin' on the grooves. And the tune ... I could listen to it all the day long. That Miller person was a grand artist. No wonder Sassenach loved it so.